The Ferrari Dino, for once being called “almost a Ferrari”, has now reached the point of being very, very desirable. Even more so if the Dino in question has solid provenance, just three owners, one of whom was the singer and actor, Cher. Owned by the American entertainer from new, this 1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS would later change hands twice, being listed for sale by the third owner.
Considering the current owner has had it in his possession for the last 39 years, and has kept fastidious records, including of a full restoration to original spec, this is one Dino that’s as highly valued as they come.
The Dino story began with the 1967 Dino 206, Ferrari’s first mid-engine car, and the first with a road going V6. These cars with a relatively pedestrian 2.0-liter V6 were badged ‘Dino’ and not Ferrari to honor Enzo Ferrari’s late son Alfredo “Dino” Ferrari. The Dino was also sold as such, to take the fight to the Porsche 911 without really admitting that Ferrari was brazened enough to need to take the fight to Porsche’s little sportscar. The Dino’s engine was updated to 2.4-liters in 1969, upgrading to the Dino 246 moniker in the process. This is the engine found in this 1972 Dino 246 GTS, the last iteration of the line complete with all other updates made along the way.
This particular car is believed to be Cher’s first Dino, having been in her ownership for 16 months before it was sold on, and later replaced by another Dino finished in blue. A similar Ferrari Dino 246 GTS, owned by the manager of Led Zeppelin, had previously sold for $381,600. Cher’s Dino is currently at a high bid of $500,000 on Bring A Trailer with over a week left on the auction. Expect the price to only climb higher.
[All images by Bring a Trailer]
